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There were 33 separate recalls of pet food and livestock feed in 2013. Of the 33, 21 were for dog and cat food. Those 21 recalls included thousands of different products and production dates.

The vast majority of recalls were for dry dog and cat food (kibble), so if you’re looking for a quick way to reduce the risk of bringing tainted food into your house, this is a good place to start.

By our count, only about a dozen recalls out of the thousands last year were for commercial raw pet diets. So this is also something to keep in mind as you evaluate the safest way to feed your pet.

An inordinate number of recalls were for pet jerky treat products, which were pulled from store shelves not only for the presence of illegal antibiotic residue, but also for potential salmonella contamination. In our opinion, these products should be at the top of every pet owner’s “avoid at all costs” list.

It’s important for pet owners to remember that potential salmonella contamination in pet food is a much greater hazard for human than four-legged family members. If you feed processed pet food to your dog or cat, there are certain safety and sanitary precautions you should follow to keep everyone in the family healthy.

Warning to Pet Owners: Avoid These Products Like the Plague

April 23, 2014|118,167views

"NOTHING is certain in life except death and taxes and, increasingly, pet food and treat recalls."

2013 Dog and Cat Food Recalls

According to the FDA website, there were 33 separate recalls of pet food and livestock feed in 2013. On average, that's one every 11 days.

Of the 33 recalls, 21 were for dog and cat food. Here is a brief summary of the recalls by month as captured at AVMA.org. See if you notice anything interesting about what types of products are being recalled…

January

All recalls during the month of January were for antibiotic residues in jerky pet treats. Manufacturers included Cadet (IMS Trading Corp), Milo's Kitchen, Purina, Publix supermarkets, and Hartz Mountain Corp.

February

Nature's Variety recalled one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula because pieces of clear plastic may have been in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets.

Worth Noting

Not only were pet jerky treats pulled from store shelves for the presence of illegal antibiotic residues, but several brands were also recalled for potential salmonella contamination. It seems like a "no brainer" that EVERY pet owner should avoid these products for the foreseeable future.

Of the thousands of commercial pet food products recalled during 2013, by my count, only about a dozen involved raw or dehydrated raw diets. This is why I find the dire warnings from the FDA and other organizations about the "dangers" of raw pet food so shamefully misleading. Statistically speaking, they are still the safest foods you could feed your pet, compared to dry food.

If You Feed Processed Pet Food to Your Dog or Cat…

For those of you who feed commercial processed pet food to your dog or cat, keep in mind that the dangers of salmonella poisoning are a much greater threat to the human members of your family than the four-legged ones. The AVMA offers the following tips for safe handling of processed pet foods and treats:

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pet food or treats

Don't allow very young children, elderly people or those who are immunocompromised to handle pet food or treats

Keep all pet foods and treats away from your family's food.

Do not prepare pet foods in the same area or with the same equipment/utensils you use to prepare human foods.

Do not allow pets on countertops or other areas where human food is prepared.

Feeding pets in the kitchen has been identified as a source of infection. If you can arrange to feed your pet in an area other than your kitchen, consider doing so. Alternatively, feed your pet as far away from human food preparation areas as possible.

HEALTHY PETS DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace
the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific
questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your
pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your
pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

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